West Brom: First Shilen Patel transfer shortlist narrows after Celtic update emerges
Liel Abada is apparently not going to be the first West Brom signing of the Shilen Patel era despite interest in the Celtic man this term.
The American’s takeover of the club, which was made official on 28 February, is expected to signify a vital new beginning for the Baggies after Guochuan Lai’s unpopular time as majority shareholder.
Although his arrival doesn’t immediately flip the switch in the transfer market, and exits are still expected, it should mean the Albion can start to operate on a more level playing field as the worrying financial picture improves.
The Daily Mail reported on 23 January that Carlos Corberan was hoping to land unsettled Israeli international Abada on loan, but any hopes of reprising the pursuit in the summer look to have been extinguished after Football Scotland reported on 3 March he has agreed terms to move to Charlotte FC in MLS.
The 22-year-old is reportedly expected to be in the US within a week for a medical and contract signing in a deal which could cost as much as £10million.
Liel Abada set for MLS transfer after interest from West Brom
West Brom have already benefited in a big way from the arrival of a wide man from Parkhead with Mikey Johnston’s excellent impact following his Deadline Day loan move.
The Irish international wasn’t getting enough game time under Brendan Rodgers so left for The Hawthorn, and has already scored in three Baggies wins in just seven appearances.
His stunning solo strikes off the left against Plymouth Argyle and Coventry City will surely have increased hope that even if Abada is now beyond reach his former Celtic teammate might be feasible.
The final transfer windows of the Lai reign at West Brom were characterised more by departures, with the likes of key defender Dara O’Shea and academy product Taylor Gardner-Hickman sold, but with Patel now in charge there should be scope for more attention to go towards incoming transfers as he plans to expand the scope of the club.
Whoever becomes the first new arrival after the takeover will become a quiz question answer in club history but it won’t be Abada by the looks of things, although perhaps if Johnston can help send the Baggies back to the Premier League then the 24-year-old might be.
Whether one wide man leaving Celtic will impact on the chances of another making a permanent move remains to be seen, but it would be a double blow if Abada’s transfer also hit hopes of a Johnston deal.
In other West Brom news, Patel has invited a new Baggies fan in US sports media to The Hawthorns.
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